Brandon Lewis acknowledges John Hume as one of the most important figures in Irish and British political history

Mr. Lewis, reacting to the sad passing of Mr. Hume who founded the SDLP 50 years ago this month, said he was a political giant.

"People will today, and over the coming weeks and months, rightly grieve for the man we have lost, but we should also reflect on the indelible mark he left not just on Northern Ireland, but on the world.

"John Hume was one of the most significant architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, and one of the most important figures in recent UK and Irish political history. He looked beyond the violence that was taking place to seek a pathway to peace.

"Without his leadership and his courage Northern Ireland would not be where it is today," he remarked.

The Secretary of State said few people deserved the Nobel Peace Prize more than Mr. Hume.

"He reached out to the international community, recognising the value of this engagement. He ensured that world leaders supported the efforts of politicians to underpin the Belfast Agreement, to which he made such a vital contribution.

"Few people deserved the Nobel Peace Prize more than John - he dedicated his life to peace, and for that the people of Northern Ireland will never forget him," stated Mr. Lewis.